US9782552B1 - Compact continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A compact continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and method provide a flatter profile and more compact thickness, including a larger lateral dimension in order to be accommodated in conventional luggage designed to stow laptop computers having a smaller aspect ratio of thickness to length or thickness to width. Air tubing may be coiled within a case or coiled as about a spool-like configuration in the base unit of the device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application: is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/676,537, filed Nov. 14, 2012, for COMPACT CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE APPARATUS AND METHOD; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/080,433, filed Apr. 5, 2011, issued Jan. 15, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,290, for COMPACT CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE APPARATUS AND METHOD; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/856,568, filed Sep. 17, 2007, issued Sep. 6, 2011 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,362, for COMPACT CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE APPARATUS AND METHOD; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to the field of continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and methods and more particularly to portable systems for active adult users during travel.

2. The Background Art

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often used to treat obstructive sleep apnea as well as certain other disorders. In a CPAP apparatus and method, pressurized air is delivered through a mask to a patient's airway. Air may be introduced through the nostrils or through a mask that covers the nostrils and mouth. Typically, such systems are set on a night stand or other support beside a bed, and operate from wall current or a battery power source. Typically, a fan in a “generator” blows ambient air to create a pressurized supply having a pressure of from about five to fifteen centimeters of water. The mask or interface portion of the apparatus may be oral, oral-nasal, or simply nasal in its introduction of air.

Typically, such systems are treated as a medical devices and are engineered to be efficient movers of air through the various passages. Accordingly, such devices typically have a very box-like aspect ratio in which the height, width, and the depth (or thickness, width and length), are typically sized to be of the same order of magnitude. Thus, the aspect ratio is approximately one to one to one (1:1:1:). In the prior art, many such systems have aesthetically pleasing lines developed to make the device seem less rectangular or box-like, yet the overall principal dimensions are about the same.

One of the particular difficulties is the unwieldy size and shape of CPAP systems during travel. Accordingly, each requires a large fraction of the space within a person's luggage. Even supposedly compact or portable CPAP units, when ultimately designed, still have sufficient bulk in all three dimensions as to require a packing system that requires either another piece of luggage or a sizeable portion of the space in other large luggage.

What is needed is an apparatus that can meet several criteria for traveling. The apparatus should fit within luggage configured to hold a laptop computer. If a CPAP system were configured to take on more of the aspect ratios of a laptop computer, then it could be carried as part of carry-on luggage, could be opened for inspection, and could be readily evaluated by conventional security mechanisms in airports. Thus, traveling professionals would not be required to carry such large luggage, or an additional piece of luggage, especially checked luggage, specifically to accommodate the CPAP system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a housing sized and shaped to fit the space requirements and power requirements typical of a lap top computer.

In accordance with certain embodiments of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, a CPAP unit may include a housing, sized and shaped to fit in luggage designed to accommodate conventional laptop computers and their supporting peripherals. The system may typically include a drive system for generating a pressurized air stream at a volume and pressure in accordance with the therapy for which CPAP systems are designed. Likewise, an apparatus and method may include a delivery system of fittings, tubing (hose), and masks in order to deliver the pressurized stream of air into the breathing system of a user.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus in accordance with invention may include various electrical and electronic control systems in order to turn the machine on and off, control the air flow rate or motor speed, and the like. Other systems may be incorporated to accommodate the valving of air flows to and from the lungs of a user. That is, any of the valving systems whereby air may be relieved or expelled from a mask or the delivery system, or the like may be incorporated in a system in accordance with the invention.

The power system may rely on wall power, converted DC power from a wall outlet through a DC power supply, a battery, a computer battery, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, in which tubing or a delivery hose for the pressurized air supply may be stowed in a spooled configuration within the housing of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the spool center and the fan system of the apparatus of figure one, having the lid and upper console portions removed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in a closed configuration with the tubing stowed therein;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in which a cavity is available to stow the tubing and mask completely within an outer case, to be not visible when the case is closed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 4 illustrating the stowed mask and tubing with associated fittings;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a motor and fan system suitable for implementation in an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fan and motor system suitable for pressurizing air in an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fan suitable for developing a flow of pressurized air in an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fan, designed to provide an axial flow of pressurized air in an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, having a capability to expand a plenum for development of a larger supply of pressurized air;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 10 with the tubing removed from the case for deployment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 10 and 11 illustrating the position of the aperture and connector feeding the tubing and mask of the apparatus from the lid side of the plenum chamber;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power supply suitable for powering an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a power supply suitable for portability and for powering the apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a rechargeable battery suitable for use to power an apparatus in accordance with the invention, or suitable for recharging a computer battery for use in both a laptop computer and a CPAP system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a carrying case suitable for packing an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a luggage system accommodating an apparatus in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a carrying case suitable for packing an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, in one embodiment of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, asystem10 ordevice10 may be configured to provide a continuous positive airway pressure to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, ahousing12 may contain the basic elements required to drive the air to an elevated pressure. In typical usage, a fraction of a pound per square inch or a fraction of a kilogram per square centimeter will be provided by thesystem10, to the airway of a user.

Typically, adrive system14 provides the prime mover of air. Thedrive system14 may draw air from the environment, through a filter, or without a filter, and pressurize it sufficiently to maintain a positive pressure against which a user breathes during sleep. From thedrive system14, adelivery system16 provides passageways to carry the air to an interface for delivery into the nostrils or mouth of a user, or both.

Typically, acontrol system18 may be designed to be as simple or sophisticated as desired for the appropriate therapy. At a rudimentary level the system may be turned off and on. In a more sophisticated embodiment, a selection of the pressure, the net air flow, the profile of the increase of pressure of the air flow, or the like may be controlled in order to provide for the comfort and therapy of a user.

Apower system20 provides a power source to drive thedrive system14. In certain embodiments, a pneumatic power system may be provided. A convenient power system may rely on either wall current or battery power instead. To provide completely self-contained power, apower system20 may be as simple as a rechargeable battery built into thesystem10. Alternatively, a power supply that connects to a wall outlet may service the system equally well. In yet another alternative embodiment, both may be provided in order that a system may be recharged when the wall current is available, but may still be used when wall current is not available.

Referring toFIG. 1, thesystem10 may include a base22 to which to mount the other components of thesystem10. A console23 may be provided in order to accommodate controls, user interface, and other access to the system during operation. Theconsole24 orconsole layer24 may be positioned opposite thebase22, each effectively forming a flange of a spool. Thus, thebase22 andconsole24 may actually act as flanges of a spool to receive therebetween thedelivery system16.

In certain embodiments, whether for protection, or simply for purposes of convenience, securement, or closing a display of information or the like, acover26 may be provided to close theconsole layer24.

In certain embodiments thedrive system14 may be protected by agrid28 in order to prevent entry of fingers or other small objects into thedrive system14.

Downstream from thedrive system14 anaperture30 may be provided to discharge air from the drive system into thedelivery system16. A fitting31 may be provided about theaperture30 in order to accommodate connection and disconnection of thedelivery system16.

In certain embodiments,storage space32 may be provided for amask34 orinterface34. Thestorage space32 may be formed as a recess in theconsole24 of the apparatus. In other embodiments therecess32 may be dispensed with in order to simply store the mask elsewhere. Soft masks may be folded up or otherwise placed in a small space. In certain embodiments, it is desired that themask34 be of a substantially stiffer quality, in order to assure a firm seal against the face. Thus, amask34 may needstorage space32 within theapparatus10.

Astorage space36 for apower supply38 may be provided in theconsole24 as well. In the illustrated embodiment, a simpleDC power supply38 may provide the conversion of wall power (alternating current) to be converted to direct current to drive thedrive system14.

Arecess40 orspace40 may be provided between the base22 andconsole24 in order to wrap ahose42 or tube there around. Thehose42 may be formed in any suitable manner. A convoluted hose may actually provide a very flexible, light, and still comparatively compact system for delivering air from theapparatus10 to a user. In particular, thehose42 will connect to the fitting31 of theaperture30 to receive air driven by thefan50.

Thefan50 may be protected by thegrid28 at the inlet where air is received. Accordingly, thefan50 may blow air to a higher pressure and discharge it through theaperture30 into thehose42 for delivery to amask34 and ultimately to a user.

In certain embodiments, acord52 may deliver power from a power supply or wall current into aplug54. Theplug54 may fit into ajack55 formed within thebase22,console24, or other part of thehousing12 in order to access thedrive system14 and power it. In embodiments where an internal battery is powering theapparatus10, thecord52 and plug54 may simply operate to power the battery during recharging.

In certain embodiments,various buttons56 or switches56 may be provided for thesystem10. In the illustrated embodiment,various buttons56a,56b,56c,56dare shown. For example, abutton56amay be a switch to turn thedrive system14 on and off.Other buttons56c,56dmay control the increase and decrease of the speed of thefan50.

Other buttons56dmay control other factors, including thedisplay60. Adisplay60 may include instructions, may provide feedback information regarding pressure, fan speed, or the like, and may include interactive selections for controlling theapparatus10 by the user. In general, information and instructions by way of warning and basic set up may also be included in alabel58 simply printed and adhered to a portion of theapparatus10.

In the illustrated embodiment, deployment of theapparatus10 may include unwrapping thedelivery system16 including thehose42 with itsfittings44,46 from theapparatus10, such as from a spooled location between theconsole layer24 and thebase layer22 acting as flanges of a spool. Accordingly, the fitting44 may be connected to theoutput fitting31, and the fitting46 to themask34. Amask34 may be formed in any suitable manner, typically of a flexible material in contact with the skin in order to form a good seal, with straps or other secure mechanisms to secure it to the face of a user. Themask34 may cover only the nostrils, the nostrils and the mouth, or only the mouth. Accordingly, thedrive system14, and thefan50 in particular, provides pressurized air through theaperture30 into thetubing42 for delivery into themask34 at an increased pressure above ambient pressure.

Meanwhile, thepower supply38 may be removed from itsstorage location36 and plugged into outlet power in order feed thecord52 and theplug54 connected to power the motor driving thefan50.

Upon waking, a user may stow thesystem10 by removing the fitting44 from theaperture30 with its retainingfitting31 and removing themask34, optionally, from themask fitting46. In some embodiments, a more compact system may have a foldable or veryflexible mask34. The mask fitting46 may also be formed integrally between thetubing42 and themask34 making removal of themask34 from thetubing42 unnecessary. Likewise, the fitting31,44 need not be readily separable, nor separable at all, nor distinct from one another.

In either mode, thetubing42, whether or not removed from the fitting31 ormask34 may be spooled around thespace40 between the base22 andconsole24 to stow it. Detents may be provided by way of bosses, tabs, or simply a closer proximity to one another of the edges of thebase22 andconsole24 in order to retain thetubing42 therebetween. After final stowage of thepower supply38 in itsstorage location36, thelid26 or cover26 may be closed onhinges48 against theconsole24 in order to close the system up for travel.

Referring toFIG. 2, a view of theapparatus10 ofFIG. 1 is illustrated showing only the base22 with selected components located below theconsole24. In the illustration, aspool portion62 ormandrel62 for receiving thetubing42 may be located between the base22 and theconsole24. Within the periphery of thisspool portion62, ormandrel62, thefan50 may operate.

In the illustrated embodiment, thefan70 represents ageneric fan50 ofFIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, thefan70 is a squirrel-cage type fan and themotor68 is embedded within the confines of thefan70. Ashroud64 surrounds thefan70 to direct the air to anoutput duct66.

The spinning of thefan70 about the motor68 (by the motor68) causes the air to move radially away from thefan70, while also moving the air circumferentially with respect to the outer circumference of thefan70. Accordingly, theduct66 is filled with pressurized air, while the region within the circumference of thefan70 is decreasing in pressure as it draws air through thegrid28 and through thefan70.

Referring toFIG. 3, theapparatus10 in the illustrated embodiment may fold up with thecover26 against theconsole24, forming a compact package between the base22 and thecover26. Meanwhile, thehose42 ortubing42 is spooled around themandrel62 in order to fit within the overall envelope defined by the juxtaposedbase22 andcover26.

Referring toFIG. 4, anapparatus10 may have ahousing12 formed of abase22 and acover26. Thebase22 and cover26 may be connected by ahinge48 pivotable between a closed and an open position. InFIG. 4, theapparatus10 is shown in an open position with thetubing42 removed from stowage along with thepower supply38 for use. In the illustrated embodiment, thedelivery system16 is constituted by thetubing42 with its associatedfittings44,46 andmask34, having astrap35 for securement to the face of a user.

Meanwhile, thedrive system14 is enclosed within ashroud64 and thefan50 is behind thegrid28 provided for protection. Theaperture30 is connectable to the fitting44 to direct pressurized air from theduct66 provided as an outlet from theshroud64 delivering pressurized air from thefan50 into thetubing42. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontrol buttons56 may be provided on thecase12 orhousing12 in any suitable location. In the illustration, thecontrol buttons56 are positioned on thebase22. Likewise, thejack55 for receiving theplug54 from thepower supply38 andcord52 is located on the front face of thebase22.

Accordingly, the power can be converted from wall power to DC current by thepower supply38 and delivered through theplug54 andjack55 to themotor50 inside theshroud64.Controls56 may be used for controlling on, off, pressure, power, speed, or the like. Thedisplay60 may provide instructions for monitoring of the operation of theapparatus10.

Referring toFIG. 5, theapparatus10 ofFIG. 4 may be placed in a stowed configuration by wrapping thetubing42 about thedrive system14 containing thefan50 andshroud64. The fitting44 may be disconnected from theaperture30 or remain in it. Likewise, the fitting46 may be removed from themask34 or remain connected. Themask34 in the illustrated embodiment may be stowed within thebase22 just as thetubing42 orhose42. Thus, closure of thelid26 or cover26 against thebase12 provides an envelope that is approximately that of a laptop computer and encloses the accompanying supporting peripheral elements of theapparatus10 in a compact and easily transportable unit. Various types of sealing mechanisms such as bosses, knobs, ridges or other detents within thehinge48, or between thecover26 andbase22 may be implemented in accordance with principles or devices known in the art.

Referring toFIG. 6, anapparatus10 in accordance with the invention may include afan50 connected directly to amotor68, or connected indirectly as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 6 themotor68 is connected to thefan50 by a set ofpulleys74,76 and correspondingshafts75,77. Abelt72 connects thepulleys74,76 in order to drive thefan shaft77 from themotor shaft75.

In the illustrated embodiment, theaxial direction80 represents the direction of intake, while theradial directions82 represent the direction that air moves in response the spinning of thefan50. Ashroud64 around thefan50 may restrict the flow of air and directly into aparticular duct66 as described hereinabove. In response to the rotation of the fan, the space in the center of thefan50 is evacuated or rather contains air at reduced pressure, while the area around the circumference of the fan represents air being driven in a radial82 and a circumferential84 direction. The shrouding64 prevents air from escaping thefan50, while theducting66 provides a location or plenum for the air to accumulate at elevated pressure in order to be driven out theaperture30 to thetubing42.

Referring toFIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment, amotor68 may be embedded within thefan50 in order to reduce the overall size of thesystem10. However, if thefan50 is formed to be of a comparatively thin profile, then the motor may need additional space. Meanwhile, thevanes78 tend to drive the air in acircumferential direction84, resulting in acceleration in aradial direction82. As the air escapes from thevanes78 orblades78 of thefan50, it may have both a circumferential84 and a radial82 component of velocity. Accordingly, it may be ducted as described hereinabove.

In typical embodiments, thefan50 may be formed ofvanes78 projecting (for example, at right angles) from adisk79 orbase79. Typically, thebase79 will include a hub for receiving ashaft77 on themotor68. Any suitable attachment mechanism including keys, set-screws, friction, splines, and the like may be used to secure theshaft77 to thefan50.

Referring toFIG. 8, in one embodiment of anapparatus10 in accordance with invention, thefan50 may actually be configured with vanes that taper toward thecenter hub86, having their greatest height from theframe79 ordisk79 near the outer periphery thereof. Accordingly, thevane78 may actually act as trapezoidal or triangular vanes that are very short axially with respect to thedisk79 near thehub86, and very tall near the outer periphery of thedisk79.

Thus, the air flow in88 will be drawn in an axial direction into the fan while theblades78 orvanes78 rotate, the air moves in acircumferential direction84. A response of the air is to flow outwardly in aradial direction82 such as the flow illustrated asflow90b. Ultimately, however, theshroud64 andduct66 will permit escape of the air only in acircumferential direction84 illustrated as theairflow90aexiting thefan50.

The squirrel cage fan of57, and the vane fan ofFIG. 8 both tend to be centripetal or centrifugal fans. That is, the pressure comes as a result of the spinning of the air, and its tendency to want to escape radially82 from thecircumferential motion84. That is, any motion in acircumferential direction84 is actually an acceleration toward thecenter shaft77, and the air preferentially migrates radially82.

Referring toFIG. 9, another embodiment of thefan50 may include ashaft77 andhub86 from whichvarious vanes78 extend outward. In the embodiment ofFIG. 9, air is actually inducted from one side of thefan50 in anaxial direction80, and is discharged out the other side in the sameaxial direction80. Of course, in the illustrated embodiment, the direction of rotation in thecircumferential direction84 determines which direction or sense the air flow will actually take in theaxial direction80.

One of the advantages of asquirrel cage fan50 or avane fan50 is a comparatively thin profile on the order of from about one half inch to about an inch and a half, or perhaps up to two inches. On a substantially larger radius of from about one and half to about four inches, the fan may provide a comparatively large flow rate (e.g.0.1 to about 2 cfm), large pressure increase (e.g. 5 to 30 cm of water), or the like, into a comparatively smaller duct, such as theduct66, and thetube42. One benefit of thefan50 illustrated inFIG. 9 is that a comparatively quite fan with a minimal direction change may be implemented.Many pancake fans50 may actually include a motor within thehub86 in thefan50 ofFIG. 9, thus forming a comparatively compact,axial drive system14.

Referring toFIG. 10, anapparatus10 may include ahousing12 having a base22,console24, and cover26. Likewise, adrive system16 may include afan50 under agrid28 to drive airflow into atube42. In the illustrated embodiments, theconsole portion24 actually becomes the bottom of thehousing12, when stowed. Nevertheless, thecontrol buttons56 may be provided on apanel92 associated with theconsole layer24 of theapparatus10. Likewise, some type ofpower line52 with its associatedplug54 may provide power into the system by any of the mechanisms discussed above or known in the art. Meanwhile, themask34 may be stowed with thetubing42 and its associatedfittings44,46 within the space available in thebase22.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 10-12,retainers94 may provide flexible or rigid restraints in order to hold thetubing42 in place during stowage. In one embodiment, theretainers94 may be formed of a flexible plastic or stiff rubber such that they may be easily deflected in order to place the tubing behind them. Theretainers94 may be replaced by belts, straps, or the like, securing to the base22 in certain embodiments.

By either means, thetubing42 may be wrapped for stowage within thebase26. Meanwhile, thegrid28 covering thefan50 may cover asquirrel cage fan50, avane fan50, anaxial fan50, or any other suitable mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, an optional bellows96 is included. The bellows provides an expansion space between the base22 and thelid26 in order to provide a plenum or expanse of space or volume in which a volume of air under pressure can be collected.

The value of a plenum is that pressures are moderated somewhat in response to the breathing of an individual, or changes in output. For example, whenever an individual is breathing against the pressure of air within thetubing42, pressure rises behind thefan50. This effect may be somewhat ameliorated by providing a plenum that tends to have sufficient volume to absorb the instantaneous fluctuations in pressure and volume of air.

Any suitable support including the bellows alone, or flexible joints, struts, or the like may be used to support thecover26 with respect to thebase22. In such an embodiment, the system may actually expand to a larger size than its stowed size in order to create a plenum within thebellows96 and thelid26.

Referring toFIG. 12, the apparatus ofFIGS. 10 and 11 is illustrated in a stowed configuration. For clarity, thehose42 has been removed from thehousing12 in order to illustrate an embodiment of how the fitting44 may fit onto thecover26 in theaperture30. When the fitting44 is removed from theaperture30, and its associatedfitting31, acap101 fitted to the fitting31 may be inserted to prevent damage, dirt, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid closes against thebellows96, but may close over the bellows, in order to close up against theconsole24, which forms the outer shell of thehousing12. Meanwhile, thebase22 is fit down into theconsole portion24.

In general, thehose42 may be connected in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, themask34 may be secured permanently or temporarily to thehose42. The fitting44, typically permanently attached to thehose42, may include both asecurement100 and astop102. The purpose of thesecurement100 is as a detent to engage the fitting31. The purpose of thestop102 is to prevent the fitting44 penetrating further into theaperture30. Any suitable mechanism may be used including threads, quick release couplings, interfering “o” rings, or the like.

In general, thespace98 for storage of thehose42 may actually be used as a plenum in certain embodiments. That is, for example, thespace98 may be configured on the opposite side of thebase22, between the base22 and thecover26 in order to form a plenum after thehose42 is removed therefrom. Accordingly, the surface defined by the edges of the base22 closest to theconsole24 may be a solid surface except for the opening for thegrid28.

The bellows96 is not required. Thus, the illustration ofFIG. 12 shows thehousing12 in substantially the stowed configuration, but with thecap101 removed. Meanwhile, thehose42 is illustrated in order to show its positioning and sealing with respect to theaperture30.

Referring toFIG. 13, thepower system20 for theapparatus10 in accordance with the invention may be one of several possible configurations. For example, apower supply38 may include the appropriate hardware to convert alternating current to direct current for convenience, and safety. Thus, acord104 may come from wall power through aplug106 to be connected by theadapter108 to thepower supply38. Wall current may be converted from alternating current, at a comparatively higher voltage, to direct current, at a comparatively lower voltage, delivered through thecord52 and subsequently theplug54 into theapparatus10. Typically, aplate110 commonly called a rating plate or “boiler plate” may contain information concerning safety, ratings, instructions, warnings, connection requirements, and the like.

Referring toFIG. 14, a compact power supply may be used in many situations requiring comparatively lower power (e.g. a few amps or less). Theapparatus10 does not require large amounts of power (e.g. typically less than an amp down to tenths of an amp). Asimple adapter38 orpower supply38 may provide aplug112 directly into a wall socket, feeding direct current through acord52 and aplug54 into theapparatus10.

Referring toFIG. 15, in one embodiment, anapparatus10 in accordance with the invention may use abattery120. Thebattery120 may be identical to, or may be thesame battery120 as that of a laptop computer. Accordingly, acharger118 orcradle118 may be used to charge thebattery120, or thebattery120 may be charged within a laptop computer.

ACPAP apparatus10 may be carried with a computer and may share thesame battery120. In the illustrated embodiment, abattery120 may be fitted into acradle118 connected to wall power or a power supply by acord114, and secured electrically by aplug116 in thecradle118. In the illustrated embodiment, theoutput cord52 and theplug54 may actually be connected to theapparatus10.

In an alternative embodiment, acomputer battery120 may be embedded within the envelope of theapparatus10, and included in the space near thefan50 of thedrive system14 within thehousing12. Arating plate110 orinstruction plate110 may provide the similar warnings, instructions, and connection details as discussed above.

Referring toFIG. 16, acase130 for anapparatus10 may include a region for holding theapparatus10, divided into compartments137. For example, a compartment137amay hold theapparatus10, while a compartment137bmay hold apower supply38, a foldedcord104, and the like. Aclosure132, orlid132 may be secured to thecase130 by azipper134 or other suitable mechanism.

Typically, ahandle136 for carrying may be adapted to a hand of a user, a shoulder strap, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, thecase130 may be a conventional case, borrowed from the laptop computer market, may be or a specially designed case adapted to theapparatus10. For example, thedivider136 may be moveable, and thus may be positionable within thecase130 in order to securely stow theapparatus10, and still accommodate thepower supply38,cord136, or other accoutrements associated with theapparatus10.

In certain embodiments, thecord104 may actually be wrapped around a spooling mechanism before thetubing42. Likewise, thepower supply38 may be replaced with abattery120 actually embedded in theapparatus10. Thus, not all embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the invention will require separate storage for apower supply38 andcord104.

Referring toFIG. 17, acase130 suitable for holding theapparatus10 may be asimple compartment130 associated withother luggage140, such as a briefcase. For example, certain suitcases, briefcases, and the like may be configured as a separate piece ofluggage140 having apocket130 interior or exterior thereto for receiving a laptop computer or the like. Accordingly, anapparatus10 in accordance with the invention may be placed within thecompartment130 and closed by anappropriate lid132 or cover132 sealed by any appropriate mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners may be formed as a securement mechanism142 on theflap144 and the outer portion of thecase130 orcompartment130 in order to form a proper securement keeping thelid132 closed on theapparatus10.Zipper closures134 may be formed as appropriate in any particular location, including as the sealing mechanism for thelid132 of thecompartment130. Any suitable system of handles, shoulder straps, and the like may be associated with theluggage140 as known in the art.

Referring toFIG. 18, one embodiment of anapparatus10 in accordance with the invention may be fitted into acase130 having aclosure132 sealed by azipper134, or the like. Typically, azipper pull135 or more than one, may secure thezipper134 to itself in order to close thecover132 over theapparatus10. Similarly, a variety of carryingstraps138 or handles136 may be secured on various sides in order to promote convenient carrying. Meanwhile, theapparatus10 may be fitted within thecase130 to be easily stowed, opened, inspected, and otherwise travel just as a laptop computer would.

In certain embodiments, thetubing42 may be configured to fit on a reel. The reel may be operated by a crank in order to wind up thetubing42 into thehousing12. In an alternative embodiment, thetubing42 may be of a length selected to exactly fit with a single wrap or a few wraps about aspooling center portion62. The shape of a laptop computer may actually contain four or five feet of hose along its periphery. Accordingly, in one method and apparatus in accordance with the invention, thesystem10 may include a simple clip system around the outer periphery of theCPAP apparatus10 suitable for holding thetubing42 therearound.

In yet another embodiment, a computer battery may be fitted to theapparatus10 in accordance with the invention. The power conditioning or themotor50 may be sized to match the battery of an individual's laptop computer. Alternatively, a power supply, such as a battery of generic configuration having power conditioning for current, voltage, and the like may be adapted to power a laptop computer, theapparatus10, or both. Thus, a computer battery may be matched to a user'sapparatus10, or vice versa.

In yet another alternative embodiment, thehousing12 may be configured as a “clam shell” configuration, having ahinge42 at the back of two substantially identical halves. Thedrive system14 may be configured near the center of thehousing12, with thedelivery system16, principally thehose42 ortubing42 wrapped therearound.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its basic operational principles or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (17)

Wherefore we claim:

1. A method comprising:

obtaining, by a human, a travel system comprising a computer sized and shaped to be readily portable and physically supported on a lap of the human during transport and use, respectively, a device constituting a CPAP structured to have a deployed configuration for use and a stowed configuration of a size and shape approximating the size and shape of the computer, and a power supply, the power supply being structured to plug into a building-mounted outlet on one end and at the other end power serially, non-simultaneously, and without reconfiguration the computer and the device via direct mechanical and electrical engagement therewith;

carrying, by the human, the travel system in a case particularly sized to fit space requirements of the computer while on a journey away from home;

converting, by the power supply, electrical power and supplying converted electrical power at a first voltage to the computer during a first portion of a day corresponding to working by the human during the journey; and

converting, by the power supply, electrical power and supplying converted electrical power at the first voltage to the device during a second portion of the day, corresponding to when the human is asleep and breathing air pressurized to a value equal to or greater than 5 centimeters of water by the device.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the computer is a laptop computer.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the device comprises a housing defining exterior, orthogonal dimensions of length, width, and height related to each other by aspect ratios equivalent to those of the laptop computer.

4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the device the exterior dimensions of the entire CPAP define outer boundaries and the aspect ratios thereof being sized and shaped to be equivalent to those of the laptop computer.

5. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising using, by the human, the computer on the journey.

6. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising sizing and shaping the device to make at least one of the thickness, width, and length thereof equivalent to that of the computer.

7. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the housing comprises a top, bottom, and walls extending between the top and the bottom.

8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the top and bottom comprise a top inner surface and bottom inner surface, respectively, the top inner surface being spaced a distance from the bottom inner surface.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the device further comprises a drive system comprising a fan and a motor, the drive system being contained within the housing.

10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the device further comprises a flexible conduit having an outer diameter substantially equivalent to the distance.

11. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising deploying the device by:

connecting the power supply to deliver electrical power to the device;

removing the flexible conduit from a location between the top inner surface and the bottom inner surface; and

using a user interface to connect one end of the flexible conduit to at least one airway of the human.

12. A method comprising:

obtaining, by a human, a travel system comprising a laptop computer, a device constituting a CPAP, and a power supply, the device comprising a housing defining exterior, orthogonal dimensions of length, width, and thickness proportional to each other by aspect ratios equivalent to those of the laptop computer, the power supply being structured to plug into a building-mounted outlet on one end and at the other end power serially, non-simultaneously, and without reconfiguration the laptop computer and the device via direct mechanical and electrical engagement therewith;

carrying, by the human, the travel system while on a journey away from home;

converting, by the power supply, electrical power and supplying converted electrical power at a first voltage to the laptop computer during a first portion of a day constituting waking hours of the human during the journey; and

converting, by the power supply, electrical power and supplying converted electrical power at the first voltage to the device during a second portion of the day constituting sleeping hours of the human during the journey when the human is asleep and breathing pressurized air provided by the device at pressures effective for CPAP operations.

13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the housing comprises a top, bottom, and walls extending between the top and the bottom.

14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the top and bottom comprise a top inner surface and bottom inner surface, respectively, the top inner surface being spaced a distance from the bottom inner surface.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the device further comprises a drive system contained within the housing and comprising a fan and a motor.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the device further comprises a flexible conduit having an outer diameter substantially equivalent to the distance.

17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising deploying the device by:

connecting the power supply to deliver electrical power to the device;

removing the flexible conduit from a location between the top inner surface and the bottom inner surface; and

using a user interface to connect one end of the flexible conduit to at least one airway of the human.

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